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Osteoarthritis is a condition that arises when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of the bone wears down over time. It can damage any joint, but it most commonly affects the joints in the knees, hands, spine, and hips. This condition is the most common form of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that cannot be cured. However, several treatments are available to manage your symptoms and help you move better. Treatment options include medications, knee injections, therapy, and surgery.
Knee injections
For people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, an artificial joint fluid injection can be an option. The fluid lubricates and cushions the joint so it can move more easily. Your doctor may give you a single-dose injection into your knee joint, or you may need a series of injections.
Corticosteroids Injections
Injections of corticosteroid medications can reduce inflammation, decreasing pain, and swelling in joints. Your doctor will usually give corticosteroids by injection. During corticosteroid injections, the area around your joint is numbed. Then, the doctor places a needle into space within the joint and injects the medication. The number of injections you can receive is usually limited to three or four injections per year.
Therapy
Physical therapy – a physical therapist can work with you to develop an exercise regimen that suits your needs. The exercise regimen can help reduce pain, improve muscle strength, improve balance and gait, and increase the range of motion of the stiff joints. If you need any additional help, physical therapists can also help you learn to use assistive devices, such as braces, splints, and shoe inserts. Also, your physical therapist can show you how to use canes or walkers.
Occupational therapy – an occupational therapist can help you find new ways to do everyday tasks without putting extras stress on your painful joints. For instance, if you have knee osteoarthritis, using a bench in the shower could help relieve the pain of standing.
Surgery
Severe cases of osteoarthritis may need surgery to repair or repair the damaged joints. There are some types of surgery that can be used, including:
Joint replacement – also known as arthroplasty, this procedure involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with prosthetic made from metal or plastic. The most common types of joint replacement are knee and hip replacements.
Arthroscopic surgery – during this surgery, damaged or torn cartilage is trimmed from a joint. In some cases, doctors use this procedure to remove bone spurs. The procedure is performed using an arthroscope, which is a small tube with a small camera on its end.
Bone realignment – the type of surgery used to realign bones that are damaged by arthritis is called an osteotomy. In a knee osteotomy, your surgeon makes an incision across the bone either below or above the knee. Then, a wedge of bone is added or removed. This is done to shift your body weight away from the worn-out part of the knee.
Your length of stay in Panama can vary, depending on the type of treatment you undergo. For knee and corticosteroid injection, you may be able to leave for home the next day. If you have physical and/or occupational therapy, your length of stay depends on how many visits are needed for your case. On average, you may need to stay in Panama for 4 to 8 weeks for therapy. With surgery, you need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 5 days, and stay at least 7 to 10 more days in the area after you are discharged.
The severity of your osteoarthritis, the type of treatment you have, as well as your age and general health, determines your recovery time. For knee injections, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, you should be able to return to your normal activities as soon as you feel ready and you when you do not experience any symptoms that interfere with your ability to do daily tasks. With surgeries, you may be able to resume most activities, including work, within 6 weeks. However, it may take around 6 months until you are 100% recovered.
Your doctor should give you detailed aftercare that you will need to follow. If you undergo surgery, the aftercare may include:
Take pain medicine as directed
Rest between activities as needed
Elevate and put cold packs on the affected area
Try home exercise (as recommended by your surgeon).
It is important that you follow the instructions your doctor gives you to help you heal quickly and to avoid further complications.
The success rate varies for each treatment type. Osteoarthritis treatment is known to be highly successful in providing pain relief, keeping mobility, and improving quality of life. However, there are still some side effects and risks you need to be aware of, especially with injections and surgery. These include:
Worsening joint damage
Infections
Blood clots
Wearing out of artificial joints
Limited range of motion in the joint.
Sometimes, lifestyle and home remedies are enough to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis. You can try low-impact exercise and lose some weight to reduce pain and relieve some pressure. You can also consider movement therapies, assistive devices, and acupuncture as the alternatives to osteoarthritis treatment.
Before osteoarthritis treatment, you may feel pain in the affected joint that prevents you from doing your daily activities and stops you from enjoying the activities you love. After treatment, the pain should be relieved and you should be able to move better.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Situated as a transcontinental entity, the Republic of Panama straddles the geographic crossroads of Central and South America. The inception of the Panama Canal in 1914 propelled this country into an integral position as a nexus between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Those who are drawn to visit this radiant country find themselves ensnared in a mesmerizing display of cerulean seas, diverse fauna, deserted islands, bountiful coffee farms, and awe-inspiring rainforests.
The Republic of Panama unites the corners of the world, bridging the two American continents as a vibrant transcontinental nation. The construction of the Panama Canal in 1914 marked a turning point, positioning the nation as a crucial crossroad - connecting the vast expanse of Caribbean waters with the Pacific. The travelers who venture into this country discover an array of rewards awaiting them. The breathtaking beauty of sparkling blue waters, a plethora of enthralling wildlife, desolate islands that evoke an air of tranquility, sprawling coffee plantations, and the awe-striking charm of lush rainforests contribute to the diverse and enticing experiences that Panama has to offer.
Over the past several years, the Republic of Panama is steadily gaining renown as a preferred medical tourism hotspot for myriad individuals across Europe and the United States. The medical professionals operating within the country receive their robust education and accreditation from the United States, thus ensuring their expertise extends to the vanguard of their respective fields. The blend of these proficient doctors and superb medical infrastructure, combined with reasonable pricing on a wide range of medical practices, contributes to Panama's appeal for healthcare needs. Whether one seeks remedial treatments or desires elective cosmetic surgery, there are an ample array of high-quality, cost-effective services available in this picturesque country.
In the recent panorama, Panama has noticed a swift surge in its recognition as a prime choice for medical tourism, attracting numerous Europeans and Americans to its shores. Professionally trained and certified in the United States, the doctors in Panama stand at the forefront of their respective medical fields. Contributing to its desirability as a medical tourism hub is the high-quality care provided by these adept medical practitioners, alongside state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. The affordability of medical procedures in Panama further heightens its appeal. From treatments aimed at correcting medical conditions to elective cosmetic surgeries, the striking beauty of Panama, coupled with its comprehensive and affordable healthcare solutions, makes it an ideal medical destination for individuals worldwide.
Known as the most cosmopolitan capital within the region of Central America, Panama City opens the door to a multitude of tropical getaways while donning the hat of a bustling metropolis. Serving as a focal point for trade and immigration within the region, Panama City represents a vibrant blend of diverse cultures; a veritable melting pot where different backgrounds meet and meld.
Being the epitome of cosmopolitan magnificence in Central America, Panama City beams as the gateway to a spectrum of tropical retreats and simultaneously thrives as a bustling urban settlement. It stands as a central hotspot for regional trade and immigration practices, thereby birthing a profusion of cultures. This city, with its diverse cultural influences, serves as a sophisticated melting pot, crafting a harmonious blend of a myriad of cultures.
Some of the more popular tourist attractions are Teatro Nacional, Panamá Viejo, Donde José, and Parque Natural Metropolitano. Although the capital attracts thousands of tourists each year, the most popular destination is Bocas del Toro. Combining a laid-back Caribbean vibe with the incredible natural setting of forests, jungles, and mangrove, this seaside town is where adventure and relaxation meet. Surfing and snorkeling are extremely popular in this town. However, the real talking point is relaxing in a secluded cove which can only be reached by water taxis.
The primary international portal into Panama is the Tocumen International Airport, serving as a critical regional hub for flights moving in and out of The Caribbean, as well as North, South, and Central America. Additionally, it accommodates flights from select cities across Asia and Europe. For intra-country travel, domestic flights are the quickest mode of transport; however, the speed comes with a higher price tag.
Road travel presents a more economical alternative, with buses being the most widely used and cost-effective means of transportation across the country. Within the confines of major cities, taxis are readily available for residents and tourists alike.
Tocumen International Airport is the premier international aerial gateway into Panama. This airport stands as a regional transport hub, connecting Panama with destinations across the Caribbean, North, South, and Central America — even heralding flights from certain European and Asian cities. To journey within Panama, domestic flights offer the quickest, albeit pricier, option. For those prioritizing affordability over speed, buses provide a popular and budget-friendly choice.
Further adding to the transportation options in Panama is the accessibility of taxi services. For those traversing within the major urban areas of the country, taxi services make intra-city travel a breeze. These easily available taxis contribute significantly to the efficiency of short distance commutes.
Additionally, getting around within the key city areas in this country is seamless thanks to the taxi services. For intra-city commutes in Panama's principal urban centers, taxis stand as a thoroughly accessible choice for transportation, simplifying movement within the cityscape.
Panama allows citizens of most countries, including all EU citizens and Americans, to visit the country without a visa for 180 days. Some other countries, such as China and the Philippines, need a visa to visit the country. All visitors need to hold a passport valid for at least 6 months.
Citizens of over 100 countries, including all EU nations and the United States, can visit Panama without a visa for up to 180 days.
Nationals of countries not included in the visa-exemption list need to apply for a visa before traveling to Panama.
All visitors must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining validity from the date of entry.
Proof of onward travel may be requested upon arrival.
Situated comfortably within the tropics, Panama's climate is characterized by distinctive wet and dry seasonal variations. Spanning from mid-March through to December, the wet season tends to bring rainfall every alternate day. However, the showers are typically brief and they mainly occur during afternoon hours, but this season also tends to be quite humid. On the other hand, the dry season extends from December until March. Throughout this time frame, the likelihood of witnessing rainfall dramatically decreases, resulting in overall drier conditions.
Given its tropical location, Panama experiences two distinct seasons: the wet and the dry. Commencing in mid-March and continuing until December, the wet season brings periodic rainfall, which typically occurs in short, intense bursts during the afternoon. However, tourists should remember that humidity levels can peak during this time. Conversely, the dry season, which stretches from December through March, ushers in a period of minimal rainfall, offering a drier climate.